LAST MINUTE: 3 Rivers to Sierra Blanca Peak

Details

This hike runs along a creek that climbs from 3 Rivers base camp (6450ft) to the Crest Trail. At the top of the Crest trail we'll take a right hand turn and head to ski apache to summit lookout mountain. We would be back at the car no later than 6pm, which should give us enough time for a lunch at the ski Apache around 12-1pm.

What: 3 Rivers trail hike to Sierra Blanca Summit

When: Meetup at 3 rivers trail head at 0545, we'll be on our way NLT 0600 Saturday morning.

Directions: From US 54, 24 miles south of Carrizozo or 18 miles north of Tularosa, turn east onto Forest Road 579 at the sign that says Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and Campground for 13 miles (the last 7 miles are unpaved). The road is well marked to the campground. There is a parking lot at the back of the campground that is right next to the trailhead we will be departing from.

Meeting point: 3 Rivers Campground.

Level of difficulty: 5-Strenuous (Trail is a steady uphill climb up to turnaround point. There should be plenty of water along the 3 rivers trail, the 2nd half of the hike to ski apache will have little to no water along the path. Total distance roundtrip is approximately 26 miles.

Cost: Must pay parking fee at State park entrance of $6.00 per car. Must provide own transportation, supplies, and full tank of gas

Bring: Hiking shoes/boots, hat, food and flashlight as we might wind up finishing after sundown. You may want to consider bringing a rainjacket and change of shirt/socks/shoes just in case there is rain that day